OP0181-HPR SOCIO-ECONOMIC, DISEASE-RELATED, AND PERSONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN REMOTE FOLLOW-UP IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: L. Schougaard, L. Knudsen, B. Grove, N. H. Hjøllund, E. M. Hauge, A. De Thurah
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Remote follow-up by collecting patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures allows for new opportunities such as real-time monitoring of symptoms and flexible scheduling of hospital visits based on patient needs<sup>[1]</sup>. In Denmark, a remote PRO-based follow-up intervention has been implemented among outpatients with rheuamtoid arthritis (RA), and today, 35% of the outpatient population attends remote care. However, no study has explored factors associated with participation in remote care. <h3>Objectives</h3> To identify socio-economic, disease-related, and personal factors associated with participation in remote follow-up in RA patients. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional study among 775 prevalent RA patients from Aarhus University Hospital. In January 2019, eligible RA patients received an electronic questionnaire, covering health literacy and patient experience regarding involvement and confidence with remote care. In addition, we collected data from nationwide registers regarding socio-economic status, labor market affiliation, and co-morbidity. Associations between register and questionnaire-based factors and remote follow-up were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 775 patients were included in the register-based analyses. Since 129 patients did not have a digital mailbox, 646 patients received the electronic questionnaire which was completed by 394 (61%) patients. No labor market attachment and low household income was associated with lower odds for remote follow-up participation (OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 – 0.83)) and (OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.48 – 1.00)). Further, a high level of co-morbidity was associated with lower odds for remote follow-up participation compared to a low/medium level of co-morbidity (OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 – 0.81)). No association was found between health literacy and remote follow-up. Remote follow-up attendees reported more confidence in remote care (OR 1.33 (95% CI 1.20 – 1.47)). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Patients participating in remote follow-up were more likely attached to the labor market, had higher income levels, had a lower level of comorbidity, and expressed higher confidence in remote care. Future research should focus on how to support RA patients in conventional follow-up to achieve confidence in remote follow-up, as well as increased focus on vulnerable patient groups and the need for differential use of healthcare services. <h3>Reference</h3> [1] de Thurah A, Bosch P, Marques A, Dejaco C, et al. 2022 EULAR points to consider for remote care in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 Aug;81(8):1065-1071. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> Liv Schougaard: None declared, Line Knudsen Speakers bureau: Phizer, Eli Lily, Novartis, Birgith Grove: None declared, Niels-Henrik Hjøllund: None declared, Ellen-Margrethe Hauge Speakers bureau: Novartis, AbbVie, Sanofi, Sobi, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi., Annette de Thurah Speakers bureau: Phiezer, Lily, Grant/research support from: Yes, unrestricted grant, Novartis.